WELCOME NUS Business School MBA Orientation 2007 Profess Nitin Pangarkar Academic Director, MBA

1. WELCOME NUS Business School MBA Orientation 2007 Profess Nitin Pangarkar Academic Director, MBA

2. My Job As the Academic Director, I oversee all academic aspects of the MBA program For all academic matters, you can consult me I work closely with Yue Wen, Celia & the MBA Office

3. Agenda • Calendar • Curriculum • Academic performance requirements • Specializations • Ground rules—in class behavior and academic integrity/ honesty • Exchange programs • Questions??

4. Calendar • The calendar consists of two ‘regular’ semesters and two ‘special’ terms • Special terms are half the duration of normal, so the classes are twice as frequent (2 classes per week) • Schedule for 2007-2008 • Semester 1—13th August to 8th December, 2007 • Semester 2– 14th Jan-11th May 2, 2008 • Special term I—12th May- 21st June, 2008 • Special term II—23rd June-2nd August, 2008 • Every semester or term has its own add/drop/withdrawal dates (refer to the student handbook)

5. Curriculum (1) • You need to complete the equivalent of 17 full modules (total of 68 Modular Credits (MCs)) to complete the degree • Most modules are either 2 MCs or 4 MCs each • To provide you great flexibility, the curriculum consists of 32 MCs of core modules and 36 MCs worth of electives • You can determine your own pace at which you advance through the program • 12 months, 16 months or longer • Maximum period of candidature—4 years (FT) and 6 years (PT)

6. Curriculum (2)Full Time only • You will complete 24 MCs of core modules by the end of semester 1 • 4 MCs worth before the semester begins (intensive) • Leadership and Management and Organization • 20 MCs worth of modules during Semester 1 • Financial Accounting (BMA 5003), Operations Management (BMA 5010A), Statistics (BMA 5002A), Financial management (BMA 5008), Marketing Management (BMA 5009) and Managerial Economics (BMA 5001) • Remaining 8 MCs of core modules can be taken anytime later • Corporate Strategy (BMA 5013), Asia Pacific Business (BMA 5112) • The cohort design (3 groups of about 45 students each) means that you will be a fixed group of peers in the first semester • Stronger bonds/ friendships • Better class dynamics based on ‘understanding’

7. Curriculum (3)Part Time • Program requirements are identical • You can determine your pace of study • Minimum of 2 MCs per semester • Special terms are optional • You may enroll in day classes if work permits • All resources and options in the program are availabel to you, including Career Services, exchange program, overseas visits, etc.

8. 16 month scheduleFull Time only Exchange? Internship

9. 12 months scheduleFull Time only

10. Academic performance • Throughout the program, you must maintain minimum academic performance • Cumulative Average Point (CAP) of 2.5 or higher for two consecutive semesters • CAP of 3.0 or higher for three consecutive semesters • A CAP of less than 3.0 in any semester will result in a warning • To graduate, you must have a CAP of 3.0 • Students cannot receive a F grade in modules worth more than 8MCs (two full modules)

11. Specializations • You can pursue any one of the following specializations • Finance • Marketing • Strategy and Organization • Specializations will not be recorded on the degree scroll but will be recorded on the transcript • Specialisations are optional • To complete a specialization, you need to complete 24 MCs in the subject area (including core modules) with a minimum GPA of 3.5 in those modules • Failure to attain the CAP no specialization recorded

12. Cross faculty modules • You may choose graduate electives offered by other faculties/Schools in NUS • Actual enrolment will depend on the spaces available & satisfaction of pre-requisites • Maximum outside BIZ is 8 MCs • Provided that these electives are relevant, you will receive credit towards your degree requirements

13. Class etiquette • NUS MBA admits only ‘mature’ students with a clear thinking that this maturity will be reflected in the learning environment • Remember, you are managers • In terms of classroom behavior: • Be punctual • Turn off your handphones • Don’t bring any food; drinks are ok • Don’t surf the web/ chat on the web while discussions are going on • Behave professionally – as a guide, as you would in your job • But do focus on your learning

14. Exams • We are very serious about tests and examinations • In the recent past, there have been some instances of ‘cheating’ strengthened our resolve to avoid these instances in the future • Make sure that you observe all the rules specified by the invigilator (examination administrator) in terms of materials that can be brought in, usage of communication equipment (handphones/ PDAs) and cross-talk • Details are in the Student Handbook. • Report any behavior that breaches rules—peer policing is one of the best means to ensure that the rules are followed • The minimum punishment for cheating is a 0 grade in the particular assessment; the maximum is expulsion from the program

15. Academic honesty • Academic integrity is becoming a key concern with the emergence of internet • Lots of information available on the web temptations • Note the stiff penalties at NUS for plagiarism—claiming somebody else’s work as your own (aka cut and paste) • All students must complete an online module that clearly defines the rules about Academic Integrity • www.emodule.nus.edu.sg/ac/ • Please treat the honor code you will sign with the utmost seriousness

16. Exchange programs • We have a large portfolio of exchange partners around the world • Going on exchange is one of the most enriching experience in the program • There is a competitive process for awarding exchange places • You should plan on an exchange in the next semester • It is possible to have exchanges in Semester 1 of your second year, but this may hinder placements • Look out for “summer” exchanges, during Special terms • While on exchange, you are ambassadors of the NUS Business School onus on you to enhance the reputation (academically as well as otherwise)

17. Other Options • An MBA is more than classes, so explore all options on campus • Within the school, overseas visits, local and overseas case competitions, industry visits and talks, and seminars are among many options • Many opportunities to meet and work with alumni & industry leaders. Note the Management practicum. (More details later) • Take on a leadership role in the MBA Club • Many options in Singapore (beyond clubbing!)

18. Other Issues • There will be many adjustments to the MBA program, NUS and Singapore. • Our rules are designed to ensure fairness & equal opportunity to all students, on a merit basis. This may constrain us from responding to all individual circumstances • Understand the environment & institutions in Singapore • We will try to help, but please work with us • As a first guide, refer to the Student Handbook, and to mba.nus.edu

19. Questions?

20. Marketing specialization courses Marketing

21. Finance specialization courses

22. Strategy and organizations specialization courses

23. Grades and corresponding average points